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Remember also that on a PDR, Most people (I cannot say for all, cause I don't know everyone!!) are not overloading their reserves. They might be falling into the expert range, and are loading it very high, But I have a pdr 113 and under the maximum weight by 35 lbs cause its rated to 220. Just a thought. For me a smaller reserve is lighter. Its 3 less pounds of weight than If I had a 1:1 reserve. If I am making 10+ jumps in a day the heavier gear starts to take its toll (why I have respect Tandem Masters and those ass heavy rigs). I do have a mini cricket (130) in my other Javelin RS (sized 106-113) but that has no cypres in it, and it was tough to close, But by golly I closed it. -- Jonathan Bartlett D-24876 AFF-I

OK Well i apolagize for that then, I did loose a bit of perspective and my face it a bit red. But I was basing it on what I saw also from other jumpers that frequent the dropzones near atlanta. Many are doing 10-15 jumps in a weekend and are none employed by the dz, nor are they sponsored. Just a bunch of fun jumpers. So it seemed to me that an average of 10 jumps a weekend was not that significant, but I do see your point. It probably is a lot more difficult in colder areas to make that many jumps. And I might have a blured perspective because of the area and peoples apparent disposable incomes. -- Jonathan Bartlett D-24876 AFF-I

Yuck, Get weights, 10 lbs wont be too bad and will allow you to be more flat and comfortable. It gives you range also to go down faster or to go up on verticals (of course once you are up you have to be able to go back down). You have more power when you are not as arched, and can move faster. And after a hard day of work, your back will not be as sore. Oh and make sure you get the belt and not the vest. Either a Deja Blue weight belt (my recommendation) or a lead belly. -- Jonathan Bartlett D-24876 AFF-I

48 jumps no packers ~$3000-3600 per team. Everyone Team deals will vary. 2 weekends a month (24 and 24). 2 Rigs also. Add in packers ~$1200 Our Video is part of the team so they do not charge us. DV tapes are cheap (relatively) So thats roughly $1200 per person per month. to have packers and 48 team jumps -- Jonathan Bartlett D-24876 AFF-I

But did you really see that much difference in the 210 than the 230? We train our students on 230 ZP canopies, some larger if the exit weight is larger. But just under 1:1 for students. I personally moved from a 288 to 189 in 4 jumps (while still on AFF), My body weight at the time was 170 so you can figure out the loading. I do not see a really big difference moving down one size on the exact same canopy. So I have 250 jumps on my Velocity 103, And am looking to put another 300 jumps on it before looking at anything else, but if I stick with a Velocity and I propably will it will not take me 100 jumps to be at the same point on the smaller velocity, it'll take 10-15 to take in the changes, different descent rate, dive rate etx. On less radical canopies its even easier. Example: I put 3 jumps on a Nitron 150, then did a Nitron 135 (did not notice much of a difference) then did 15 on the 135 then moved to and bought the 120. Nothing really changed from canopy to canopy except a couple jumps to dial in the responsiveness in the flare, and the added sensitivity to harness input. I don't really think its a rush, for some people I am sure it is, but in general I would say its not. Some people are willing to ride that edge to push themselves to become better faster. Yeah I am 20 and have many many years to go in the sport, but why not push myself while I am young, agile, more resilient to injury, more energy? I have been in 2 Oh shit situations, One was a front riser turn too low, and another from also a front riser turn not necessarily too low just did not bump myself out of the dive in time. But I got up on the one that I impacted on and shook it off, packed it up and went up on the next load learning my lesson, and on the second one, ran out my landing. Also please take into the account that some people start pushing themselves at an earlier point, I and others I know, Started Agressive front riser manuevers at jump 30. All but 45 of my landings have been front riser approaches. Now the Big one thats the most important (other than education) is currency. If you are making 10 jumps a month then its going to be hard to progress in any aspect of this sport. Canopy is just the same. 40 jumps a month is going to keep you current, and be able to take those larger leaps because the muscles know exactly what to do, the mental awareness is greater, you are pushing the skills more often and more quickly. And that is ultimately the most important aspect of this sport is currency. Sorry that got a little long. -- Jonathan Bartlett D-24876 AFF-I

Would recommend Cordura grippers. They hold up significantly better, and are a lot easier to grip. The hot bod std comes with small grips, roughly 1/2 inch thick. If possible I would recommend the large grips, and of course the square grippers are really nice. The large grippers are 1 1/2 inch thick, with the square grippers about 1 1/2 by 2 with a spandex insert that makes for easy gripping. Of course Bev makes a great female suit period, and I recommend the Comp suit to everyone. Cordura booties, with the FX bootie mod gives a lot more power in the legs than the std booties. The Booties (fx) has 2 folds of fabric that run from the toe to the knee creating channels for the wind, and making the booties more stiff (more powerful). Bev will typically have it delivered in under 4 weeks, if she is not busy, 2 weeks I have seen without the rush. for $20 you are garunteed 2 weeks, for $40 you get it in a week. Swoop cords are a method to pull out the material near the arm pits to give you some more surface area to create lift (like small like camera wings). My guess based on your size you will not need them. I'm not Dave, but I do know a lot about the suits Hope that helps. -- Jonathan Bartlett D-24876 AFF-I

I agree with all but the very first one (skying), Basic turns can be taught on the bunny slope and the beginner, but after a day or 2 you cannot really progress any farther. You pretty much have to hit the black diamond with its powder or moguls and steep descents to learn how to ski those, there simply is not other way except to go full out. Atleast thats what I found while learning. I was also 8 years old and fearless, but when I started Snowboarding around age 15 it was the same, the style learned on the greens, could not prepare you to handle the gates and other extreme areas, you simply had to go do it and learn fast, or fall down. Wow, now that I think about it, that totally explains why I have similar views on canopies, that really makes sense. Jonathan If your going to do stupid things, you better be tough. -- Jonathan Bartlett D-24876 AFF-I

Every other weekend we are scheduled to make 24 jumps over 2 days. On the off weekends I hope to make 8-15 depending on weather. On the off weekends I am working as an instructor, so that explains that. On the on weekends I have FS 4 way team training. It helps to get good so you can get a good teamrate, so you jumps cost a lot less. I also have a job during the week to solely pay for skydiving. 2 rigs and a KA that has a 11 minute to altitude time. I think I drop about 8 grand into the sport yearly. Might be a bit less as I do not have to spend much more money of new gear anymore, and this year both national comps are within driving distance instead of flying. End conclusion: Rigs, Turbine Aircraft, Money, (and for some packers, so far I have not had to use them but I'll prob start). -- Jonathan Bartlett D-24876 AFF-I

Hah, maybe for some people, but I have non fatty legs, and the leg straps without padding leave bruises on my legs and hurt like hell. Its on my backup rig and I hate it. That last 3-4 inches is crucial. -- Jonathan Bartlett D-24876 AFF-I

Charlie Mullins started jumping at age 7, his brothers I believe had to wait until 10. I was in Coolidge this last christmas, and the 4th son was starting to jump (10), damn and I cannot remember his name right now. He was using a Javelin NJ sized to him, and a Precision Nitron 120. If you Parents are willing to buy you your own rig to go through AFF and skydiving with, then the sizing of the equipment is really not an issue. As for jumping, well if your dad is a DZO and wants to assume the risk than he can do that too. It would be pretty fun to say that at age 15 you have 3000 jumps, and jumping a VX 65. I mean you are basically getting to downsize alittle every day as you continue to grow. You cannot ask for a better downsizeing method. -- Jonathan Bartlett D-24876 AFF-I

There are pictures of him at SDC in a balloon with roger , it looks like he was about 4, custom tandem harness, hooked with caribeeners (sp?) and webbing. Normal Sport rig. -- Jonathan Bartlett D-24876 AFF-I

Now I might be wrong, But I believe that Velocity Sports, makers of the infinity will make whatever combination you have. For some reason and I cannot back this up completely right now, that a guy on rec dot, I think it was winsor, but I'm probably wrong, Has a rig to hold around a 220-240 reserve, and a Crossbraced 90 something. At the time I thought wow, cause they were the only manufacturer that I knew that did that. -- Jonathan Bartlett D-24876 AFF-I

~750 Jumps, Graduated AFF 2 years ago. Now between AFF Instructing and Team Training I should be able to pick up the pace a little. -- Jonathan Bartlett D-24876 AFF-I

I have been thinking about this for awhile. I believe in education over regulation, but think for the most part the numbers are what I disagree with because they are very restrictive. Something like:

I personally would be happy. I replaced my softie with a very low profile metal handle, its the same size as a pillow, but much easier to use, and it stays in place and cannot get tucked in beside my side like a pillow reserve unless the harness is horribly twisted. -- Jonathan Bartlett D-24876 AFF-I

If you take the entire nose and roll it one direction then yes that could be bad, but rolling the nose symetrically produces semetric openings. On my velocity (most sensitive canopy I have ever jumped) I the 3 cells on each side in the direction of the center. I leave the center cell exposed. It inflates first the helps pressurize both sides. Because the center cell is open the heading stays facing forward/more on heading. Jonathan Bartlett D-24876 AFF-I

That could easily create a terrible opening (or it could come out just fine) you are kinda rolling the dice. If you want the rig (and it better be cheap since he is shorting you $70 for the risers, $120 for the Dbag and PC So it better be like 200 less than the exact same rig with those things, If its a used NJ, pre odyssey, I would expect $600 maybe 700 for it if its in good condition. However I can sell you a Javelin NJ with Risers,Dbag, and PC for $450, and it has new tuck tabs and a new BOC pouch Good luck getting that 150 into an NJ, as mentioned above the 135 Sabre is ass tight, the 150 eeek, I would not want to pack it. Specially a cobalt that seems to pack alittle large anyways. -- Jonathan Bartlett D-24876 AFF-I

I've done an hour over 2 days, a little sore afterwords. Went back a year later, and did 5 hours of team tunnel over three days, about 2 hours of flying time, and on the last day did 20 minutes of a 30 min block, with the last 10 min straight. Felt gooooood, I could tell I was getting stronger. Last March did 4 hours over 3 days, and got a little over 2 hours of flying time, did not really phase me. Have 3 hours scheduled in August, doing nothing but 4 way in the tunnel, 2 on2s with Shannon, and hopefully the rest of majic. Looking forward to it. Oh and this is all in the Skyventure tunnel in Orlando, I would not want to waste the money to fly in a Fly Away tunnel (Pigeon Forge/Las Vegas). -- Jonathan Bartlett D-24876 AFF-I

Well, I am not a fan of regulation, I don't like ratings on movies or video games, but I do believe in education. Extensive education, taught initially in a near college classroom enviroment, starting with Theory and physics, then going into theoritical technique and explanation on planform considerations, trim, effect of wingloading on given canopies, what problems a person is expected to encounter, what to look for and how to identify the start of a bad situation. 730 jumps 1.8:1 on a Velocity 103, 2.0:1 on a prototype Rage. -- Jonathan Bartlett D-24876 AFF-I

If Its done by the manufacturer, and looks clean and well done, then I would have no problems buying the canopy for the same price as if it did not have the patch. If it was by someone else I would dod an inspection and if it passed the inspection then I would buy it, but I would expect a reduced price below market value for the equivalent used canopy. -- Jonathan Bartlett D-24876 AFF-I

You are allowed to wear the normal inflatible floatation gear that you might normally wear when you are close to jumping near open bodies of water. -- Jonathan Bartlett D-24876 AFF-I

I called PD and had a smaller slider made for me. It really helps, and I like it a lot. I would advise it for anyone. -- Jonathan Bartlett D-24876 AFF-I

And I have seen it, we somehow ended up with a student cypres in one of our sport rigs when 6 of our cypreses (or however you want to pluralize it) went in for their 4 year check. The jumper induced a front riser turn on a Pro 170 loaded at 1.1:1 and after he did so he felt himself slowing down and sure enough 2 canopies out, as he had fired the cypres off. At which point with the lines clear and the main trying to downplane, the jumper released the main and landed safely. -- Jonathan Bartlett D-24876 AFF-I

I never really went for the 180. When I got my new canopy I work with about a 120, because the 90 felt just too damn short. After getting the 120 down right, I went straight to the 270. For me it was a lot easier. You can really target aproaches a lot better, easier to time and hit that needed accuracy to start hitting gates. Its hard to explain the turn, When I first got the canopy I used a lot of risers, now I find myself initiating the entire turn with harness input, and only needing to touch the risers if I was alittle high. I perfer a left 270, so I come into the base leg looking to me right to get the accuracy just right, but still keeping an eye out for other canopies. Then around 600 feet I try to have my spot just right and start the turn, as soon as I start the turn I do a head switch looking the other direction for my target and other canopies as I am coming around. I would 95% of the time I am hitting the entrance gates perfectly. Eventually I would like to get onto the tour, so thats what I am working towards. -- Jonathan Bartlett D-24876 AFF-I

Twice I do believe. Once out a Williston Boogie, and CASA pilots are not going to risk getting license revoked over some skydivers. 2nd was in the Otter. We were up doing AFF practice dives, The clouds were thick but we trusted GPS, AFF went down, the 2 people I was up with opted not to jump also, so I stayed in too. The tandem got out and so did the lone freeflyer, both had perfect spots. Its weird to feel coming down with the plane. Once we got on the ground we switch airplanes to the cessna, and went up and did out 3,5 exit practice for AFF. -- Jonathan Bartlett D-24876 AFF-I